A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18

by Joseph Loconte

“The Myth of Progress.”

doctrine of unremitting progress—

“scientific” manipulation of human beings,

vital theme throughout is the sacred worth of the individual soul;

The Myth of Progress that, as we’ve seen, functioned for many like a substitute faith.

war

was believed to have regenerative properties.

basic patriotism and sense of duty

“It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valor, and its assault only failed of success because dead men can advance no further.”37